When most people think of Atlanta, they think of the Civil War, the Atlanta Braves, the 1996 Olympics, and Coca-Cola. TV fans know it as the filming location for The Walking Dead and Stranger Things. And, it is all of those things. But, it’s so much more too.
In addition to its bustling economy, Atlanta offers a vibrant and eclectic array of things to do, including a church-themed bar, a city beneath the streets, and a museum devoted to disease, all of which make it a wonderful place to live. The city’s unique attractions ensure that visitors and residents alike never run out of new adventures. Here are our top picks of weird things to do in Atlanta.
After you experience weird Atlanta, check out the most Instagrammable places in the city and fun (free!) things to do outdoors.
Weird Things to Do in Atlanta
Junkman’s Daughter
Address: 464 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
Voted one of the 25 Best Independent Stores in the US, The Junkman’s Daughter caters to the curious shopper in search of unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Over the past 40+ years, this small store has expanded to cover 10,000 square feet of eclectic clothing, tchotchkes, and pieces of art. You can now purchase merchandise online as well. Restaurants, music venues, and other entertainment options surround this shop in the heart of Little Five Points. Whether you set out to win a costume contest, give a unique gift, or express your individuality, the Junkman’s Daughter sells what you need.
Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
Address: 466 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
A bar known to its regulars as “Church Bar,” Sister Louisa’s is almost too off-beat for words. The art-covered walls leave no shortage of visual stimulation, and the church theme flows throughout — one of the signature drinks is called Spiritual Sangria, and guests, called parishioners, wear choir robes to sing karaoke to an actual church organ. Additionally, Mondays are for ping pong tournaments and Tuesdays are for tarot readings. A perfect blend of reverence and irreverence, Sister Louisa’s sits at the intersection of Southern identity, queer culture, and community.
Underground Atlanta
Address: 50 Upper Alabama St, Atlanta, GA 30303
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
Known as “the City Beneath the Streets,” Underground Atlanta is a historic arts and entertainment area dating from 1866. It served as a home to speakeasies during Prohibition and became an entertainment district in the 1960s. It has since emerged as a center for arts, culture, and entertainment in Atlanta. Since its reopening in 2022, Underground Atlanta has hosted hundreds of events, art galleries, and music concerts. Check out the events page to see what’s coming up, from food trucks, painting classes, and cat yoga, to live performances and karaoke.
The Consulate Restaurant
Address: 10th St NW Suite P200, Atlanta, GA 30309
Neighborhood: Midtown
The Consulate Restaurant, owned by a husband and wife team, allows diners to experience global cuisine without a passport. The regular menu spans the Earth, including dishes from Turkey, Ethiopia, Thailand, Greenland, Italy, and more. Their “visa menu,” a whimsical offering full of culinary surprises, changes every 90 days. Every three months, a guest spins the globe and randomly selects a country, which the chef will use to inspire a new temporary menu.
David J. Sencer CDC Museum
Address: 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329
Neighborhood: Emory Village
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how government scientists research and combat diseases at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum. This museum, run in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute, features a number of permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on health topics relevant to visitors, such as the History of the CDC, the Health Effects of 9/11, and Intersections of Art and Science. With free admission, the CDC Museum offers programs for adults and children as well as guided and self-guided tours.
Related: Atlanta Pickleball
Move to Weird Atlanta
Weird Atlanta is the place to be! In addition to these wacky attractions, Atlanta is home to many, many other traditional and off-the-beaten-path activities, leaving you with no lack of sites to explore in your new home. If you plan to move to Atlanta, check out our neighborhood guides, and let our rental experts at AptAmigo find you the apartment of your dreams.
Luxury Apartments in Atlanta to Explore
The Best Atlanta High-Rise Apartments
Best Pet-Friendly Apartments in Atlanta
Lori Walker is a freelance writer and content marketer. She writes personal essays, memoir, and poetry in Tulsa, where she lives with her husband and cat, Joan Didion.
